Independent Living services companion

Position Overview

We are seeking a reliable, patient, and attentive Independent Living Services (ILS) Coach to provide support for an individual with Autism. Services will focus on increasing independence in daily living skills, Self advocacy, meal prep/cooking, and recreation. This is perfect for a candidate who wants to help a young person become more independent.

Primary Goals of Support

• Improve personal advocacy
• Support with meal prep/cooking
• Assist with community recreation

Key Responsibilities

Personal Self Advocacy

• Provide guidance and support with communication.
• Encourage independence while offering assistance as needed
• Help establish consistent daily routines

Recreation

• Assist with client with exploring recreational interests
• Break tasks into manageable steps to support success
• Practice social communication 

Meal Preparation & Meal Planning

• Support planning simple, nutritious meals
• Assist with safe meal preparation and cooking
• Adapt cooking tasks to ensure accessibility and safety

Related Challenges

The individual’s challenge; prefers to be alone and has trouble initiating conversations.

Navigation & Safety

• Additional guidance in regulation to respond appropriately to non preferred topics
• Staff may need to provide  support, in client talking to coworkers along with interactions 

Communication & Accessibility

• Tasks may include support with maintaining conversations, expressing needs and feelings appropriately.
• Staff may assist in supporting stressful situations.

Adapted Training Needs

• Supporting these needs may require additional training or preparation to ensure effective, safe, and respectful service.

Ideal Candidate Qualities

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, and Autism preferred
• Strong communication, observation, and problem-solving skills
• Patient, dependable, and adaptable
• Comfortable providing hands-on support while promoting independence
• Able to work independently during scheduled afternoon hours

Work Environment

• One-on-one support in home and community settings
• flexible to the clients schedule
• Structured, supportive, and stay on tasks 

Required Qualifications & Compliance

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities preferred
• Patient, dependable, and safety-focused approach
• Strong communication and observation skills
• Ability to provide hands-on assistance as needed
• Two forms of valid identification
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Live Scan fingerprint clearance
• TB test clearance